The indications for removal of the prostate are based on the pathologic conditions present in the gland as manifested by symptoms and signs relative to obstruction to urination. The endeavor should be to learn the cause of the obstruction to the urinary outflow by studying the clinical evidence presented in each case. Inasmuch as an accurate opinion of the pathologic changes in the prostate cannot be formed without an antemortem or a postmortem section, we are forced to divide the indications for prostatectomy into two great classes: First, clinical; second, pathologic.

CLINICAL INDICATIONS.The clinical features of the disease may develop slowly or quickly, run an intermittent or a continuous, but usually a chronic course, with or without complications, until complete retention of urine occurs. The function of the bladder is interfered with first. It begins to empty itself more frequently, both day and night, and the act of urination